10 Amelia Island Winter Activities You Should Try
It’s no secret that travelers — specifically Northerners— head south during the colder months. Discover all the best reasons why people flock to enjoy Amelia Island Winter Activities! Moderate temperatures make exploring the outdoors enjoyable. Exciting annual events lure bookworms, foodies, and history buffs. It’s even an excellent time to spend quality time with your sweetheart.
Read on for more local insight on why you should visit Fernandina Beach in the winter. Then, request a free copy of our Vacation Guide for even more suggestions on the best things to do on the island!
10 of the Best Reasons to Visit Amelia Island in the Winter
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” — Edith Sitwell
1. Enjoy the Gorgeous Weather
Even in the coldest months, Amelia Island weather reaches temperatures in the high 60s. This makes for pleasant outdoor adventures such as strolling through nearby parks and beaches.
Travel Tip: View our Seasonal Guide on the Best Time of Year to Visit Amelia Island
2. Take Advantage of Fewer Crowds
There are often fewer crowds on the island in the winter. That means no lines, no waiting, and lots of privacy and space to explore all that Fernandina Beach has to offer!
3. Attend Exciting Events
Winter ushers in an exciting array of events and festivals for the whole family! Get in the holiday spirit at events such as Dickens on Centre or experience live music at an Amelia Chamber Music Festival event.
Some of our favorite winter events include:
- Holiday Home Tours
- Dickens on Centre
- Restaurant Week
- Amelia Chamber Music Festival
- Amelia Island Book Festival
4. Get in the Holiday Spirit
Celebrate the holidays on Amelia Island! Join in on all the fun and festivities by attending exciting events. Go Christmas shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts in downtown Fernandina Beach. You can even get a healthy dose of holiday cheer in our beautifully decorated accommodations at Fairbanks! We like to put a Christmas tree in every room.
5. Encounter Unique Species of Birds
Regarding birding, Florida offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and amazing opportunities to spot a wide variety of rare bird species! In late January and early February, you will encounter piping plover (threatened), indigo bunting, and cedar waxwing. In fact, the cedar waxwing flock to Fairbanks House to strip berries before continuing along their migratory path.
6. Visit Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island State Park’s 200+ acres of protected wilderness is a great place to stretch out and take a walk during the winter. Take nature photos, walk through the trails, or go horseback riding on the beach during dawn or dusk!
7. The Best New Year’s Eve Celebration
What goes better than celebrating the New Year and shrimp? Amelia Island’s iconic shrimp drop is one of the highlights of the Winter months!
8. Go Holiday Shopping
In need of a last-minute gift or want the thrill of the ride? There are great places to go shopping all over Fernandina Beach!
9. Grab a Cup of Coffee at a Local Shop
If the morning is surprisingly chilly, grab a cup of coffee at one of our favorite coffee shops on the island!
10. Save on a Romantic Getaway at Fairbanks House
In the winter, Amelia Island sets the scene for the ultimate romantic getaway, especially when you stay with us at Fairbanks House! Stay in charming, uniquely appointed accommodations and revel in luxurious amenities and features. You can even save money on a romantic retreat this time of year! We offer “cuddle-up season” rates on all of our romance packages from November through February. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just because, you’ll want to take advantage of this one-of-a-kind experience.
